Set off a quiet street in suburban Chula Vista, just south of San Diego, this 1,200-square-foot garage has been converted by Modern Granny Flat with Ramiro Losada-Amor and Prismatica into a clean-lined accessory dwelling unit (ADU).
Considering the brief from the client, the new living space was designed to integrate three main aspects: flexibility to change the configuration, workspace with ample storage and water savings.
The project was conceived to meet the dynamic needs of different moments using “tools” including operable panels. At the entrance, there is a large bookcase with a bed integrated, which allows the living space to be transformed into a guest bedroom. The kitchen can also be adapted and expanded with the use of a mobile island, while a folding workstation and sliding shoe cabinet in the master bedroom provide clever space-saving techniques.
The architectural solution that was provided took the shape of a box, which houses the plumbing for the kitchen, part of the storage areas and the bathroom with three skylights. This box is located central to the floor plan for better distribution of different spaces and to allow for flexibility and change. To meet the client’s water savings stipulation, the design also includes outdoor containers to collect rainwater, and the shower, sink and laundry water is treated with a grey water system that can be reused in the garden.
